Advance to the Finance Minister – section 11 of Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001 (No. 17 of 2000-2001)

Overview

The Appropriation Act (No.1) 2000-2001, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, addresses the need for the allocation and management of financial resources to government agencies for the fiscal year 2000-2001. The legislative instrument F2007B00788, issued under section 11 of this Act, specifies an additional appropriation of $1,740,000 to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority under the administered expenses for Outcome 1, which pertains to linking Australia through transport and regional services. This legislative instrument, issued by Phillip Prior, Branch Manager, Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, serves to ensure that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has the necessary funding to carry out its operations and fulfil its obligations in supporting maritime safety and transport services across the country. The policy objective, as outlined in the Act, is to provide the required appropriations to agencies in a transparent and accountable manner, facilitating the effective execution of government programs and services.

Scope and Application

Section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No.1) 2000-2001 provides authority for the adjustment of appropriations for specific agencies within the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument, F2007B00788, specifically pertains to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), detailing an increase in the appropriation for administered expenses by $1,740,000. This adjustment falls under Outcome 1, which focuses on linking Australia through transport and regional services, and is part of the administrative expenses allocated for this purpose. The determination, made by Phillip Prior, Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit, Budget Group, Department of Finance and Administration, ensures that the additional funds are appropriately allocated to support the activities and operations of AMSA. The geographic reach of this Act is confined to the Commonwealth level, affecting only federal entities such as AMSA. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the text provided, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically section 11 of the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2000-2001, empower the determination of the advancement of appropriations to various agencies. In this instance, Phillip Prior, the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Financial Reporting Unit within the Budget Group of the Department of Finance and Administration, has made a determination under this section to increase the appropriation item for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority by $1,740,000. This increase is specifically for administered expenses under Outcome 1, which pertains to linking Australia through transport and regional services. The effective date of this determination is 14 May 2001. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily involve the financial management and allocation of appropriations to specific agencies. The Act mandates that the Branch Manager, Phillip Prior, must ensure that the appropriation adjustments are accurately calculated and justified in alignment with the budgetary requirements and outcomes specified. This involves a thorough review of the financial needs of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and ensuring that the additional funds are correctly attributed to the appropriate appropriation item as outlined. Breaching the provisions of this Act can lead to various consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument. Generally, failure to comply with appropriation directives can result in financial mismanagement, potential audits, and possibly legal action. The consequences can include civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. Civil penalties might involve fines or financial restitution, while criminal penalties could encompass fines or imprisonment if the breach is deemed to be of a serious nature, reflecting the gravity of mismanaging public funds. It is important for the Branch Manager and other relevant officials to adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth in this Act to avoid any legal repercussions. Ensuring compliance with appropriation laws is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of public financial management. The Act underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the allocation and management of government funds, safeguarding public resources for their intended purposes.